The nominees for the Scottish Green Awards are starting to take shape with several businesses putting themselves forward as finalists.

Refrigeration firm Capital Cooling is hoping to win Best Large Firm at the event on September 29. The Broxburn company's use of detailed transport management software ensures its fleet of field engineers don't use more carbon and rack up more miles than they need to. The business has also started selling its first range of environmentally-friendly, energyefficient refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

But it is likely to be up against transport giant Stagecoach Group which has spent Û11m on its sustainability strategies. The Perth group, headed by Sir Brian Souter, has shaved more than 20,000 tonnes off its carbon footprint with a range of initiatives including electric vehicles, bio-fuel blenders and an eco-driving system. Its South West Trains stations also became the first in the UK to install intelligent lighting which is expected to lead to a 60 per reduction in energy use.

In the SME category Kilwinningbased Datec Technologies is aiming for glory. The electronics recycling company secured the Carbon Trust Standard last year and has also appointed a carbon champion to help the businesses reduce emissions. Through a number of initiatives it has cut electricity consumption by 4.52 per cent, gas by 14.28 per cent and water by 9.23 per cent.

For Best Green Community Initiative East Renfrewshire's ReUseIt is in the running. The community interest company is trying to help local residents divert waste from landfill by collecting goods and donations then reselling them. The initiative is close to breaking even and has attracted a team of regular volunteers.

Friends of Sunnybank Park in Aberdeen is also entered in this category. The park had been under threat of development until the community group pulled together to save it. Having secured a lease from the local authority in February this year the Friends now have ambitious plans for the site. A dog walking area, pond, allotments, walks and access improvements are all on the agenda. Longer term there may be a formal sports area and a community building.

Speaker for the awards ceremony at Glasgow Science Centre will be sustainability expert and author Leo Johnson. The brother of London mayor Boris Johnson has carved out his own successful career and co-founded the Sustainable Finance business which is now part of accountancy giant pwc. The judging panel will be chaired by WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon. Alongside him will be SEPA operations director Calum MacDonald, Sustainable Scotland Network manager George Tarvit, Edinburgh University sustainability advisor David Somervell, ScottishPower Renewables chair Susan Deacon, Doug Flint from Health Facilities Scotland, Martin Baxter from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and Business Stream's Tony McHardy. ? For event details go to www.